Monitoring Of Antibiotic Resistance Research Articles

Department-specific patterns of bacterial communities and antibiotic resistance in hospital indoor environments

The hospital indoor environment has a crucial impact on the microbial exposures that humans encounter. Resistance to antibiotics is a mechanism used by bacteria to develop resilience in indoor environments, and the widespread use of antibiotics has led to changes in the ecological function of resistance genes and their acquisition by pathogens. By integrating the 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing and high-throughput-quantitative PCR approaches with water and air dust samples across seven departments in Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, China, this study yields intriguing findings regarding the department-specific variations, correlations and source tracing of bacteria, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) within the hospital indoor environment. A notable observation was the pivotal role played by seasonal variations in shaping the bacterial composition across the entire hospital indoor environment. Another department-specific finding was the correlation between ARGs and MGEs abundance, which was evident in the overall hospital indoor environment, but not found in the blood test room, ophthalmology, and gynecology departments. Notably, as an important source of bacteria and ARGs/MGEs for the blood test room, the gynecology department also presented a close link between bacterial communities and the presence of ARGs/MGEs. Additionally, the results reiterate the importance of surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic resistance, specifically in Legionella spp. in man-made water systems, and highlight the significance of understanding genetic elements like Tp614 involved in gene transfer and recombination, and their impact on antimicrobial treatment efficacy. Key points•The department-specific variations, correlations and source tracing of bacteria, ARGs, and MGEs were uncovered in the hospital’s indoor environment.•Although each department exhibited consistent seasonal impacts on bacterial compositions, the co-occurrence between the presence of ARGs and MGEs was exclusively evident in the emergency, surgery, pneumology and otolaryngology departments.•The gynecology department emerged as a crucial source of bacteria, ARGs and MGEs within the hospital. Additionally, it was found to exhibit a significant correlation between bacterial communities and the presence of ARGs and MGEs.

Detection of virulent and ESBL-resistant Salmonella species from cattle and associated farm environment

The aim of this study was to explore the virulence characteristics and antibiotic resistance in Salmonella species isolated from cattle farms. During the study, 10 cattle farms were selected and from each farm, 35 samples consisting of faeces, milk, udder swabs, hand swabs, floor swabs, animal drinking water, pit water, composite fodder sample, and dairy utensil swabs were collected. Accordingly, 350 samples were collected from 10 farms and processed for the detection of Salmonella spp. Presumptive Salmonella isolates were confirmed by PCR and characterized for virulence and antibiotic resistance genes. From 350 samples, 19 (5.40%) Salmonellae were recovered, and out of 19 Salmonellae, 12 were ESBL producers. Similarly, out of 19 isolates, spvC was the predominant gene detected (42.10%), followed by stn (31.5%), and spvR (26.31%), whereas, invA, and iroB genes were detected in all 19 Salmonella isolates. Most of the Salmonella isolates were multi-drug resistant strains exhibiting resistance to nalidixic acid (94.73%), tetracycline (36.84%), and ceftazidime (42.10%). Out of 12 ESBL-positive Salmonellae, 9 (75%) isolates harboured ESBL genes, viz. blaSHV and blaTEM (25% each) and blaCTX-M and blaOXA (16.66% each). Six Salmonella isolates showed the presence of tetA gene. The current study indicated healthy cattle and the associated farm environments could be a source of virulent and drug-resistant Salmonellae. The current study also advocates phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance monitoring at farm animal premises and agricultural ecosystems.

Metagenomic Profiling of Internationally Sourced Sewage Influents and Effluents Yields Insight into Selecting Targets for Antibiotic Resistance Monitoring.

It has been debated whether wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) primarily act to attenuate or amplify antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). However, ARGs are highly diverse with respect to their resistance mechanisms, mobilities, and taxonomic hosts and therefore their behavior in WWTPs should not be expected to be universally conserved. We applied metagenomic sequencing to wastewater influent and effluent samples from 12 international WWTPs to classify the behavior of specific ARGs entering and exiting WWTPs. In total, 1079 different ARGs originating from a variety of bacteria were detected. This included ARGs that could be mapped to assembled scaffolds corresponding to nine human pathogens. While the relative abundance (per 16S rRNA gene) of ARGs decreased during treatment at 11 of the 12 WWTPs sampled and absolute abundance (per mL) decreased at all 12 WWTPs, increases in relative abundance were observed for 40% of the ARGs detected at the 12th WWTP. Also, the relative abundance of mobile genetic elements (MGE) increased during treatment, but the fraction of ARGs known to be transmissible between species decreased, thus demonstrating that increased MGE prevalence may not be generally indicative of an increase in ARGs. A distinct conserved resistome was documented in both influent and effluent across samples, suggesting that well-functioning WWTPs generally attenuate influent antibiotic resistance loads. This work helps inform strategies for wastewater surveillance of antibiotic resistance, highlighting the utility of tracking ARGs as indicators of treatment performance and relative risk reduction.

A Dual-Channel Biosensor Enables Concurrent Detection of Pathogens and Antibiotic Resistance

Diarrhoeagenic infections, commonly treated with β-lactam antibiotics, contribute to antibiotic resistance - a pressing public health concern. Rapid monitoring of pathogen antibiotic resistance is vital to combat antimicrobial spread. Current bacterial diagnosis methods identify pathogens or determine antibiotic resistance separately, necessitating multiple assays. There is an urgent need for tools that simultaneously identify infectious agents and their antibiotic resistance at the point of care (POC). We developed an integrated electrochemical chip-based biosensor for detecting enteropathogenic E. coli. Leveraging an antibody against the virulence marker EspB, the dual-channel chip facilitated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy-based detection of EspB antigen (sensitivity of 10 ng/mL) and EspB-expressing bacteria. For β-lactam resistance profiling, a second channel enabled differential-pulse voltammetric measurement of hydrolyzed nitrocefin, a β-lactam analogue, demonstrating sensitive detection of the antibiotic resistance marker, β-lactamase at concentrations as low as 1 ng/mL. The integrated electrochemical biosensor successfully achieved simultaneous, rapid detection of double positive EspB- and β-lactamase-expressing bacteria, promoting advancements in POC clinical diagnosis.

Prospective One-Health investigation into low-abundant extended-spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacterales enables detection of potential dissemination events and persistence

BackgroundFollowing a one-health approach, we sought to determine reservoirs of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE), other than Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae complex species (i.e., low-abundant species), and their associated ESBL genes and plasmid-replicon profiles. MethodsFrom 06/2017–05/2019, ESBL-PE isolates were recovered from clinical samples routinely collected at the University Hospital Basel (Basel, Switzerland), as well as from wastewater and foodstuffs collected monthly at predefined locations throughout the city of Basel. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for characterization of ESBL-PE isolates. ResultsAmong 1634 isolates recovered, 114 (7%) belonged to 17 low-abundant ESBL-PE species.Seven species originated from more than one compartment, mainly from clinical and wastewater samples (6/17). Sixteen different ESBL genes were identified, with blaCTX-M-15 (27%), blaFONA-6 (23%) and blaSHV-12 (16%) being most frequent. The blaCTX-M-1 gene was the only ESBL gene recovered from all three compartments. Putative plasmids constituted 60% of ESBL gene-containing contigs, while chromosomes comprised 40%. Foodstuff isolates showed the highest proportion (91%, 41/45) of ESBL genes located on chromosomes, whereas wastewater isolates had the highest proportion (95%, 37/39) of putative plasmids. Multi-replicon combinations were identified in 81% of the isolates. Epidemiological links were found among some clinical and wastewater isolates. ConclusionsThe dominance of blaCTX-M-15 among low-abundant ESBL-PE species supports its species-independent transmission potential beyond the E. coli and K. pneumoniae complex, and blaCTX-M-1 may be transmitted between strains recovered from different compartments. The substantial overlap between low-abundant ESBL-PE present in wastewater and clinical samples supports the utility of wastewater surveillance for antibiotic resistance monitoring.

Mycoplasma genitalium's Antibiotic Resistance in Sexually Transmitted Infections Clinics in Israel.

To determine the prevalence of antibiotic resistance rate in Mycoplasma genitalium, and distribution of mutations associated with this resistance, among patients that attended sexually transmitted infections (STI) investigation clinics. This cross-sectional study included M. genitalium-positive samples (urine, vaginal, rectal, and pharyngeal swabs) collected from 170 patients attending two STI investigation clinics, which were subjected to macrolide and quinolone resistance mutations analyses. Data regarding patient age, sex, and material/anatomical site of testing were collected. Macrolide-resistance mutations were identified in 48.8% of samples and were more common among males (p < .0001) and in rectal samples (p < .05). A2059C was the most prevalent macrolide-resistance mutation (18.2%). Quinolone resistance was detected in 23% of the samples, with S83I being the most common (17.1%) mutation. Rate of co-resistance to macrolides and quinolones was 21.2%. The high rate of antibiotic resistance found in the current study, especially to macrolides, underscores the importance of antibiotic resistance monitoring in M. genitalium isolates in cases of persistent or recurrent urethritis/cervicitis, in cases of treatment failure and among specific populations. Such surveillance will improve treatment regimens and cure rates.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of methicillin and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from human clinical samples in Kerman hospitals, Iran

Today, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates are widely spread in both communities and hospitals, causing high morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the emergence of vancomycin resistance among MRSA isolates has been perceived as a formidable threat to therapeutic management. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the frequency and antibiotic susceptibility of MRSA and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) strains in Kerman hospitals in Iran. A total of 455 human clinical samples were collected from Kerman hospitals. The samples were examined for the presence of S. aureus and the isolates were tested for their susceptibility to antibiotics by disk diffusion method. MRSA and VRSA isolates were detected by a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods. Sixty-five coagulase-positive S. aureus strains were isolated, and the higher isolation rate was from wound samples (47.7%) compared with blood (18.5%), respiratory tract secretions (10.8%), urine (10.8%), body fluids (9.2%), abscess (1.5%), and cerebrospinal fluids (1.5%). The isolates exhibited high resistance toward tetracycline (69.2%). Thirty-four isolates (52.3%) were categorized as MRSA (phenotypically resistant to cefoxitin). mecA gene was amplified in 97.1% of MRSA strains. Moreover, only one MRSA strain was resistant to vancomycin (MIC=128), and this isolate carried the vanA gene. The frequency of MRSA was not significantly associated with gender, age, sample type, and sampling locality (p&gt;0.05). Given the alarming rate of resistance among MRSA isolates, monitoring of antibiotic resistance should be performed to reduce treatment failure in patients with staphylococcal infections. Although vancomycin remains a drug of choice for MRSA, our study suggests that its efficacy may be limited by resistance development.

Emerging trends in urinary tract infection pathogens: Insights from K. oxytoca and M. morganii in Indian settings

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a significant global health concern affecting millions annually. In India, UTIs linked to various bacterial pathogens, particularly and present a formidable challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of these bacteria in urine samples obtained from UTI patients in Indian settings. Our investigation identified a notable proportion of UTIs associated with and highlighting the necessity for customized therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we conducted antibiotic susceptibility testing to guide appropriate antibiotic selection. Our findings revealed that 90% of isolates exhibiting additional resistance to Azithromycin (AZK). These results emphasize the importance of judicious antibiotic use and continuous monitoring of antibiotic resistance in UTI-causing pathogens in Indian healthcare settings. This study contributes to UTI management strategies and the development of tailored treatment modalities for the Indian population.

Characterisation, prevalence and antibiogram of Aeromonas hydrophila in turtles: insights into virulence factors, antimicrobial resistance genes and innate immunity

ABSTRACT Bacterial infection poses a significant threat to the health and survival of turtles, both in their natural habitats and in captivity. Notably, the presence and interactions of bacteria, such as those belonging to the Aeromonas genus, have been identified for their adverse impact on turtle health and ecosystem dynamics. This study investigated the prevalence, antibiotic susceptibility, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance genes of Aeromonas hydrophila in Trachemys scripta elegans (Red-eared Slider) and Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle). The study also examined the innate immunity of T. scripta elegans and C. mydas. Buccal and cloacal swabs from 39 turtles were collected and examined alongside 45 water samples to try to isolate and amplify A. hydrophila. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifications were then sequenced to identify the presence of specific genes associated with virulence, and antimicrobial resistance. The findings revealed that A. hydrophila had a prevalence rate of 35.9% in all examined turtle species, with 14 water samples accounting for 31% of the total samples. Buccal samples from Green and Red-eared turtles showed a higher rate of A. hydrophila isolates than cloacal samples. Sensitivity to norfloxacin (85.71%), gentamycin (71.42%), and ceftriaxone (64.28%) was observed, whereas resistance to amoxicillin (64.28%), ampicillin (57.14%), and rifamycin (57.14%) was apparent. Antibiotic resistance genes, including blaTEM and blaSHV, in A. hydrophila isolates, were present in 42.86% and 28.5% of the samples, respectively. PCR analysis confirmed the genetic identity of A. hydrophila, and five virulence genes were detected: AHCYTOEN (100%), followed by aerolysin (92.8%), alt and act (85.7%), and lipase (78.5%). Genetic sequences of the isolates had a 99% identity with the reference strains in GenBank. Furthermore, the study found the innate immunity of turtles to be robust due to serum lysozyme activity, bactericidal killing assay (BKA), total leukocyte count, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, and packed cell volume (PCV%), all of which help to protect them from infections. Overall, this research highlights the need for continued monitoring and management of antibiotic resistance in aquatic ecosystems.

A dual-channel electrochemical biosensor enables concurrent detection of pathogens and antibiotic resistance

Diarrheagenic E. coli infections, commonly treated with β-lactam antibiotics, contribute to antibiotic resistance - a pressing public health concern. Rapid monitoring of pathogen antibiotic resistance is vital to combat antimicrobial spread. Current bacterial diagnosis methods identify pathogens or determine antibiotic resistance separately, necessitating multiple assays. There is an urgent need for tools that simultaneously identify infectious agents and their antibiotic resistance at the point of care (POC). We developed an integrated electrochemical chip-based biosensor for detecting enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a major neonatal diarrheal pathogen, using an antibody against a virulence marker, termed EspB, and the β-lactam resistance marker, β-lactamase. A dual-channel microfabricated chip, bio-functionalized with a specific EspB monoclonal antibody, and nitrocefin, a β -lactamase substrate was utilized. The chip facilitated electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)-based detection of EspB antigen and EspB-expressing bacteria. For β-lactam resistance profiling, a second channel enabled differential-pulse voltammetric (DPV) measurement of hydrolyzed nitrocefin. EIS-based detection of EspB antigen was calibrated (LOD: 4.3 ng/mL ±1 and LOQ: 13.0 ng/mL ±3) as well as DPV-based detection of the antibiotic resistance marker, β-lactamase (LOD: 3.6 ng/mL ±1.65 and LOQ: 10 ng/mL ±4). The integrated EIS and DPV biosensor was employed for the simultaneous detection of EspB-expressing and β-lactamase-producing bacteria. The combined readout from both channels allowed the distinction between antibiotic-resistant and -sensitive pathogenic bacteria. The integrated electrochemical biosensor successfully achieved simultaneous, rapid detection of double positive EspB- and β-lactamase-expressing bacteria. Such distinction enabled by a portable device within a short assay time and a simplified sample preparation, may be highly valuable in mitigating the spread of AMR. This new diagnostic tool holds promise for the development of POC devices in clinical diagnosis.

Nosocomial infections: a look at the problem in the context of the global threat of antibiotic resistance (review)

Antibiotic resistance poses a serious threat to public health. The problem of nosocomial infections is inextricably linked with antibiotic resistance. Nosocomial infections in most cases are caused by the formation and spread of hospital strains that are resistant to antibacterial drugs. Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms increase healthcare costs, lengthen hospital stays, and lead to extremely poor patient outcomes. The article systematizes data on the prevalence of nosocomial infections and examines the problem of antibiotic resistance of leading nosocomial pathogens. Approaches to monitoring and management of antibiotic resistance and epidemiological surveillance of nosocomial infections are analyzed. A promising area of research in public health is considered – osocomial infections associated with previous hospitalization.

Isolation of aerobic bacteria from abscesses and wounds in rabbits and antibiotic susceptibility testing of Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. isolates

BackgroundWound infections and abscesses in rabbits are a common problem in veterinary practice and their treatment can be challenging. Bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing are important tools in these cases. While some studies are available on bacteria associated with wound infections and abscesses in rabbits, the numbers of animals included is generally limited. Monitoring of antibiotic resistance in clinical practice is also an important part of good antibiotic stewardship. Multiple antibiotic resistances are frequently encountered in Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas spp., two groups of bacteria commonly associated with abscesses in rabbits. MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated the results of aerobic bacterial cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests in swabs from abscesses (A) (n=541) and from skin and wounds (SW) (n=308) submitted to a commercial diagnostic laboratory. Samples submitted between January 2017 and October 2020 were included in the study. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas spp. was evaluated and compared. ResultsIn A, 465 bacterial isolates including 35 different species were isolated while 394 bacterial isolates, including 35 different species, were found in SW. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus spp. (A = 21.7%, SW = 36.5%) followed by Pasteurella spp. in A (13.3%) and aerobic spore-forming bacteria in SW (11.2%). Pseudomonas spp. was the third most commonly isolated genus in both sample types (A = 11.6%, SW = 8.9%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from A were more often resistant to the tested antibiotics than other Pseudomonas species. These results support the need for bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing in small mammal practice.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of determinants that mediate antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli strains of clinical origin in South-Western Nigeria.

Multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens employ different mechanisms in evading the action of antibiotics. Multidrug resistance is wide spread among strains of Escherichia coli implicated in several infections including urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, meningitis and bacteraemia. This study investigates the antibiotic resistance profile, efflux pump activity and biofilm formation ability of E. coli strains isolated from clinical samples. A total of 32E. coli strains isolated from clinical samples were characterized and subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing using standard methods. Isolates were screened phenotypically for biofilm formation and efflux pump activity. While molecular detection of genes encoding curli fimbriae and efflux pump activity was done by PCR. All 32 (100%) E. coli isolates were resistant to ceftazidime, cefuroxime, cefixime, amoxicillin-clavulanate, ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. While 30 (93.8%) were resistant to gentamicin, 27 (84.4%) were resistant to cefepime and the least resistance of 15.6% was to imipenem. Efflux pump encoding gene tolC was detected in 13(40.6%) of the isolates, while 1(3.1%) harboured acrA gene. acrB gene was not detected in any of the isolates. Seven (21.9%) of the isolates were strong biofilm formers, while 5 (15.6%) and 20 (62.5%) were moderate and weak biofilm formers respectively. csgA gene was detected in all E. coli isolates. High antibiotic resistance of E. coli strains observed in this study is of public health significance. . It is therefore important to scale up efforts in regular monitoring of antibiotic resistance in both community and hospital settings.

Microbiological monitoring of a multidisciplinary medical organization: the basis of strategic planning in the framework of the implementation of epidemiological safety

Relevance. Monitoring of antibiotic resistance and the frequency of isolation of microorganisms at the regional level in each medical organization is of paramount importance for the implementation of epidemiological safety. Objective. To identify the main microbiological trends based on the analysis of the microflora of patients in a single — profile hospital in order to implement weaknesses in strategic planning activities. Materials and methods. A comprehensive analysis of the pharmacoepidemiological results of the consumption of antimicrobial drugs with calculated drug resistance indices and microbiological monitoring data demonstrated the presence of weaknesses and strengths for the strategic development of a multidisciplinary hospital at the regional level in terms of epidemiological safety. Results . Statistically significant differences in the microbiological structure of pathogens are predetermined by the profile of medical care. The main trends in the change in the microflora of a multidisciplinary hospital as a whole are the prevalence of fungal and gram-negative pathogens over gram-positive ones. The presence of a relatively high index of consumpion of cephalosporins of 3–4 generations, fluoroquinolones, carbapenems, protected penicillins determines the high drug resistance index of Klebsiella pneumoniae (0.86) and characterizes the main microbiological trends of a multidisciplinary clinic. Conclusion. Risk stratification by the level of multidrug-resistant pathogens, the use of deterrent strategies for prescribing antimicrobials, the implementation of educational modules, the evaluation of the effectiveness and monitoring of the risk stratification program with in the framework of antimicrobial technologies, the analysis of microbial landscape data using decision support programs are the main tasks of the functioning of a multidisciplinary team of specialists in a multidisciplinary clinic to control antibiotic resistance.

The Impact of Pathogens on Sepsis Prevalence and Outcome.

Sepsis, a severe global healthcare challenge, is characterized by significant morbidity and mortality. The 2016 redefinition by the Third International Consensus Definitions Task Force emphasizes its complexity as a "life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection". Bacterial pathogens, historically dominant, exhibit geographic variations, influencing healthcare strategies. The intricate dynamics of bacterial immunity involve recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns, triggering innate immune responses and inflammatory cascades. Dysregulation leads to immunothrombosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, contributing to the septic state. Viral sepsis, historically less prevalent, saw a paradigm shift during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need to understand the immunological response. Retinoic acid-inducible gene I-like receptors and Toll-like receptors play pivotal roles, and the cytokine storm in COVID-19 differs from bacterial sepsis. Latent viruses like human cytomegalovirus impact sepsis by reactivating during the immunosuppressive phases. Challenges in sepsis management include rapid pathogen identification, antibiotic resistance monitoring, and balancing therapy beyond antibiotics. This review highlights the evolving sepsis landscape, emphasizing the need for pathogen-specific therapeutic developments in a dynamic and heterogeneous clinical setting.

Standardization of an antimicrobial resistance surveillance network through data management.

The rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide within 2 months demonstrated the vulnerability of the world's population to infectious diseases. In 2015, the Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) was launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, there has been no comprehensive assessment of the decade-long global battle against AMR based on GLASS data. South Korea established Kor-GLASS (Korean-GLASS) to proactively monitor data quality and enable international collaborations. A unique feature of Kor-GLASS is the quality control center (QCC), which uses network hubs and ensures standardized, high-quality data through interlaboratory proficiency testing (IPT) and external quality assessment (EQA). In addition, the QCC multifaceted endeavors for integrated data quality management. Since 2020, high-quality AMR data have indicated fluctuating antibiotic resistance rates in South Korea. This trend does not align with the decrease in antibiotic usage seen in humans but coincides with non-human antibiotic sales, indicating a need for greater monitoring of non-human antibiotic resistance. Comprehensive and robust management taking account of the intricate interplay among humans, animals, and the environment is essential. Kor-GLASS has been expanded into a "One Health" multiagency collaborative initiative. Although a standardized solution is not suitable for all countries, it must align with the local context and international standards. A centralized top-down management structure such as that of the QCC is essential to ensure continuous data quality coordination. Sustained efforts and surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring and managing AMR and safeguarding human health.

Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Streptococcus agalactiae isolated from pregnant women and newborns in 2010–2022

Objective. To study the dynamics and molecular mechanisms of resistance of Streptococcus agalactiae strains isolated from pregnant women and newborns in St. Petersburg in 2010–2022. Materials and Methods. The strains of S. agalactiae (n = 248) were obtained by analyzing the clinical material of pregnant women and newborns who were hospitalized at Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott in 2010–2011 and 2020–2022. Determination of susceptibility to antibacterial drugs was evaluated by disk diffusion method. The detection of resistance genes to macrolides and lincosamides (mef and ermB) was performed by real-time PCR using reagents «Resistom MLSB-Streptococcus» (Litech, Russia). Results. All isolates S. agalactiae (n = 248) were sensitive to penicillin and vancomycin. Compared to 2010–2011, the resistance of S. agalactiae to erythromycin increased from 18.4% to 42.1% and to clindamycin from 15.6% to 39.3%. Among S. agalactiae strains (n = 71) resistant to erythromycin and clindamycin, cMLSB phenotype was predominant (59.1%); iMLSB (31%) and M-phenotype (9.9%) were less common. The results of detection of genes encoding resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin showed that in 38 (53.5%) and 9 (12.7%) isolates of S. agalactiae resistance genes ermB and mefA were detected as one resistance determinant, respectively, association of two ermB/mefA genes was detected in 2 (2.8%) strains; resistance genes were not detected in 22 (31%) isolates. Conclusions. Penicillin and vancomycin are effective drugs for the treatment and prevention of infections caused by S. agalactiae. The increase in resistance to macrolides and lincosamides reflects the global trend of increasing resistance to these antibiotics. Regular monitoring of antibiotic resistance of the pathogen is necessary to update the clinical recommendations.

The prevalence of multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different clinical samples

Abstract Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major global issue, with Staphylococcus aureus being one of the most common resistant bacterial forms. Objective: The study’s goal was to determine the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) S. aureus isolated from clinical specimens. Materials and Methods: The standard microbiological techniques used for isolates identification were subsequently validated by the VITEK-2 system. Antibiotic susceptibility was assessed using the disc diffusion technique. MDR bacteria were those that were resistant to three or more antibiotics. Results: S. aureus prevalence in clinical isolates was 27.9%. There was significant resistance toward all antibiotics used in the study except for tetracycline. About 98.2% of the isolates were MDR. Conclusion: Our results underscore the need for continued antibiotic resistance monitoring in S. aureus isolates associated with hospital-acquired infections.

Characteristics of antibiotic resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella circulating in the Russian Federation in the period from 2019 to 2022

Introduction. Non-typhoidal Salmonella make a significant contribution to the incidence of enteric infections and are characterized by an increasing proportion of strains resistant to antimicrobial agents (AMA), including the first choice antibiotics (cephalosporins III and fluoroquinolones).&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to assess the phenotypic resistance of Salmonella to various classes of AMAs and determine the relationship between the phenotypic resistance, serotype, source of isolation and nature of incidence.&#x0D; Materials and methods. We studied 752 representative strains of Salmonella of 2494 strains isolated from various sources (clinical samples, food products, environment) received from 59 regions of Russia in the period from 2019 to 2022. The phenotypic resistance to 22 antibiotics of 11 CLSI classes of AMAs was assessed by broth microdilution method (minimum inhibitory concentration). The diversity of resistance profiles of Salmonella serotypes was compared using the Shannon index.&#x0D; Results. The dominant position in terms of isolation frequency is occupied by the serotypes Salmonella Enteritidis, S. Infantis, S. Muenchen, S. Typhimurium, S. Bovismorbificans, which accounted for 64.4% of the studied strains. 543 (72.2%) strains showed resistance to at least one of the tested antibiotics; 193 (25.7%) strains were characterized by multidrug resistance phenotype (MDR). Resistance to AMA classes was characterized by the following distribution: quinolones (61.3%), tetracyclines (28.1%), penicillins (19.1%), β-lactam combination agents (18.6%), folate pathway antagonists (16, 5%), phenicols (10.1%), aminoglycosides (5.6%), cephems (4.7%), monobactams (4.4%), lipopeptides (3.9%). No penem-resistant strains have been identified. The features of Salmonella resistance by AMA classes are shown to depend on the sources of isolation, the Salmonella serotype and the nature of the incidence (outbreak and sporadic).&#x0D; Conclusions. Monitoring of phenotypic antibiotic resistance is an important tool for epidemiological surveillance in order to prevent the spread of bacterial resistance to AMAs.

Antibiotic Resistance: Retrospective, Concurrent, and Prospective Data

Background: Over decades, antimicrobial medicines have been extensively used in industries such as agriculture and cattle husbandry, not only for the treatment of illnesses but also as preventative measures. Because of this extensive usage, bacteria have unintentionally developed antibiotic resistance (ABR), sometimes without the host's knowledge. It has made treating infectious infections more unclear and difficult. Purpose: This review examines the patterns of antibiotic use and the types of bacteria that have developed resistance. It also explores their therapeutic mechanisms of action and the mechanisms behind resistance development. Additionally, the review discusses retrospective and concurrent data on ABR and proposes a prospective approach for the surveillance and monitoring of ABR globally. Method: The review analyses both historical and current data on the global use of antimicrobial agents and their impact on antibiotic resistance. It assesses various strategies for the rational use of antibiotics, considering past patterns and current trends in ABR. The study also evaluates ongoing efforts to monitor and prevent the spread of ABR. Result: Here, findings highlight the widespread and growing issue of antibiotic resistance, driven by both human and agricultural use of antibiotics. The review underscores the significance of continuous surveillance, monitoring, and the rational use of antimicrobial agents to combat the global threat of ABR, ensuring more effective management of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Urgent global action is needed against antibiotic resistance because of both human and agricultural use. Improved surveillance and rational use of antibiotics are a prerequisite for preserving the efficacy of treatments available today and for maintaining public health. Strategic planning ahead will be the best management of infectious diseases.